The U.S. will end funding for Zimbabwe’s health programs at the end of September after talks on a bilateral health agreement collapsed. Zimbabwe rejected the proposed deal, with a government spokesperson citing concerns about sharing sensitive health data.
Zimbabwean government spokesperson Nick Mangwana said the proposal was tied to “comprehensive access” to sensitive health data, including virus samples and epidemiological information. U.S. Ambassador Pamela Tremont said the cutoff followed Zimbabwe’s decision to decline the memorandum and that Washington would shift its relations toward economic, trade and investment opportunities.
For decades, the U.S. was Zimbabwe’s largest health donor, supporting HIV, tuberculosis and malaria efforts, clinical care, laboratories, health workers and medical supplies. The funding end leaves programs uncertain amid shortages. Zimbabwe says it will prioritize domestic fundraising, while advocates question whether its financially troubled government can absorb the costs. Health GAP director Asia Russell said U.S. disruptions in 2025 had already harmed lifesaving disease programs and warned the decision would trigger a public health catastrophe.
